NBA star Tony Parker drawn into 'quenelle' anti-Semitic row

Tony Parker is a hero in his native France and with basketball fans in the United States.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

NBA star Tony Parker apologizes for using "quenelle" gesture

Parker said he did not realize it was associated with anti-Semitism

French footballer Nicolas Anelka says he will not repeat the "celebration"

Two other French EPL stars admit to doing 'quenelle' signal

(CNN) -- NBA superstar Tony Parker was forced to apologize Monday for using the same anti-Semitic gesture which has landed former France international footballer Nicolas Anelka in hot water.

Anelka, who plays for English Premier League side West Bromwich Albion, performed the so-called "quenelle" -- pointing his right arm straight down and touching that arm with his left hand -- in celebrating a goal in a match against West Ham Saturday. Some have called the "quenelle" a Nazi salute in reverse.

Anelka is a friend of controversial French comedian Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala, who popularized the "quenelle" and has been prosecuted for anti-Semitism.

With the English Football Association (FA) investigating the incident, Anelka has promised not to do it again.

"The club fully acknowledges that Nicolas' goal celebration has caused offense in some quarters and has asked Nicolas not to perform the gesture again. Nicolas immediately agreed to adhere to this request," said a statement on the West Bromwich Albion website Monday.

Anelka's compatriot Parker came under the spotlight Sunday when a picture from three years ago surfaced of him doing the "quenelle."

The point guard has released a statement saying he was not aware at the time that it was offensive or harmful.

"While this gesture has been part of French culture for many years, it was not until recently that I learned of the very negative concerns associated with it," he said.